Seattle's Space Needle is getting a makeover: new renderings revealed

Seattle's 55-year old landmark Space Needle is undergoing a $100 million renovation headed by Seattle-based design firm Olson Kundig. The venture's aim is to reveal the historic tower’s internal structure and harken back to the original concept sketches, all while expanding and improving the Space Needle’s iconic views and guest experience.

Image Credit: Olson Kundig

Enhancing the iconic view involves the addition of a lot of glass—176 tons to be exact will be added to the Observation Deck and restaurant level. Expanding the views by more than 25%, the observation deck above the restaurant will feature floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the interior and exterior to enhance the 360-degree views. At the restaurant level, the tables, chairs, windows, and rotating floor of the reimagined space will all be made of glass.

Construction began earlier in September with the impressive installation of a 28,000 pound platform 400 feet in the air to rest in place just below the Space Needle’s Tophouse. Karen Olson, CMO, Space Needle LLC spoke of the endeavor saying "this renovation project will be a giant game of three-dimensional chess. Getting the elevated platform in place was our first big move.”

Improvements will take around a year with an expected completion of Summer 2018. Take a look at some additional renderings below!